The UN Initiative’s primary goal is to enable members of NYUMUN to engage in practical work and representation of various bodies of United Nations on campus. The scope of its activities encompasses coordination with Permanent Missions of different countries to organize events with global leaders and noted dignitaries, organization of on-campus UN events, and arrangement of student participation at the United Nations. We strive to serve as the official liaison organization of United Nations on campus starting from the upcoming fall semester – a truly groundbreaking achievement for the club, and for the university. (Source: http://www.nyumun.org/un-initiative/ )

Burma Task Force USA was established by the US-based nonprofit Justice for All in August 2013 to achieve the following goals:

To stop the genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority group and the persecution of other ethnic groups;

To oppose all Burmese policies that restrict basic rights of marriage, travel, education, and voting;

To promote acceptance of the Rohingya as an ethnic group of Burma; the Burmese President should withdraw his statement that Rohingyas should be settled in a third country.

To open doors for relief organizations to work in Rakhine State and throughout Burma

To improve the treatment of the Rohingya refugees in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh;

To promote dialogue and encourage diverse interfaith and community leaders to oppose the extremism and nationalism of the 969 Movement in Burma;

To achieve full freedom of religion by re-opening all mosques, permitting Muslims to marry and to have children, with restoration of full citizenship through canceling the1982 law which makes them stateless.

To dismantle concentration camps and re-settle internally displaced people in their villages with confiscated property returned or a mutually agreeable price paid in full;

To legally charge with war crimes police officers and soldiers or anyone who raped women or participated in ethnic cleansing. Impunity leads to more violence.

To provide access to media, to international relief organizations, and to human rights organizations;

To support an emerging democratic system that does not exclude certain ethnic groups; and to ensure that international investors prioritize human rights in economic development.

The City University of New York Bangladeshi Alumni Network (CBAN) is a registered (501)(c)(3) organization - aims to create an inclusive community for the CUNY Bangladeshi professional alumni to promote the welfare of CUNY and Bangladeshi American community as well as establish a mutually beneficial relationship between CUNY and its alumni. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/cbanny/ )

Flushing Interfaith Council seeks to:

Facilitate opportunities for people from diverse religious and spiritual traditions to meet and engage with one another.

“Our mission is to preserve rich Polish heritage and traditions. We strive to promote and stimulate interest in Polish culture through presentation of authentic Polish dances and songs, as well as through participation in Polish cultural events and activities, and through the display of our programs at other nations public events and activities…” (http://wianek.org)

Bangladesh Academy of Performing Arts

“Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, BAFA, is a South Asian Cultural institution which facilitates enrichment in the performing arts. BAFA specializes in the dance forms of Kathak, Folk, and Bangladeshi modern contemporary. Kathak is a classical genre of dance which originated in Northern India and is well known for its intricate choreography, sharp and graceful movements, and compelling footwork. Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, BAFA, embraces the heritage and highlight of Bangladeshi culture with the colorful emotions of folk music. BAFA’s mission is to educate and spread the knowledge of the rich artistic background we are truly grateful for…”( Source: http://www.bangladeshcircle.com/bangladesh-business-directory/1402/bangladesh-academy-of-fine-arts-inc/) (BAFA Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bangladesh-Academy-of-Fine-Arts-347975755306533/?fref=ts )

Xochipilli Dance Ensemble (Aztec Dance)

“Xochipilli Dance Ensemble was founded in 2014 to promote Mexican culture through its diverse folk dance styles. Our aim is to blur the generational and geographical boundaries which characterize Mexican folk dance by presenting traditionally celebrated dances along new and original work.” (http://www.xochipillinyc.com )

La Fraternidad Cultural Incallajta New York (Inca Dance)

“Fraternidad Cultural Incallajta New York, Inc. is a nonprofit organization … Incallajta New York’s primary purpose is the dissemination of the ancestral culture and indigenous traditions of all aspects of the cultural heritage of the ancient Inca Empire while striving to maintain and preserve accuracy in time and history of our country Bolivia.” (http://www.incallajtany.com )

Fraternidad Folklorica y Cultural Caporales Universitarios San Simón

“Fraternidad Folklorica y Cultural Caporales Universitarios San Simón was founded in Cochabamba, Bolivia on November 22, 1978 by a group of residents from Oruro, Bolivia, alumni of the “Universidad Mayor de San Simón”, for the purpose of retaining and growing its ancient customs. This group of youths decided to create a dance group of Caporales as a means to demonstrate their devotion to the Virgin Mary of the Socavón as well as to be able to participate in the Carnival of Oruro.” (http://www.caporalessansimonny.com )

I, member, and friend of historic grace Episcopal Church recently met Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa for tea on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Incidentally, it was the anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison 21 years ago. We met at the Desmond and Leah Tutu legacy foundation, which was formed to support local and international projects and initiatives that promote reconciliation, justice, and peace for the benefit of all.

Archbishop Tutu’s efforts to support noble causes have earned him a number of prestigious awards –

•Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his contribution towards resolving the issue of apartheid,

•Pacem in Terris Award,

•Sydney Peace Prize,

•Gandhi Peace Prize, and

•The Lincoln Leadership Prize.

South Africa’s first multi-racial elections were held in 1994 and Nelson Mandela was elected as the country’s first black president. Mandela then appointed Archbishop Tutu as the chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

Fashion Show

by

Javed S. Ahmad

(Director of UNA-USA Queens)

It all started when Pat Hollander asked me to go to the Technical and Vocational School in Jamaica, New York and speak to the students of the MUN Class. So one fine morning I went to the school and talked to the students about UN and development and similar topics. However, students wanted to know an actual example of how developing countries were being helped. I stated that I could not give examples of UN’s mega projects, but could tell them what I was doing myself. In a subsequent session, I told them about the tiny little Bhaun school that I had founded seven years ago, to promote literacy but on community’s request, it tuned into a vocational school where young women Bhaun, (a village of Chakwal District in Pakistan) and surrounding communities began to learn tailoring, sewing and computer operations skills. “We have so far trained over 160 women in tailoring skills and about 50 in computer skills. Last year we added a handicraft course in Adda work.”. Model UN class at the Thomas Edison Technical High School, Jamaica, New York’s some 33 students, of both sexes, were bubbling with enthusiasm and curious to find out what they could do to help.

Later they came up with the idea of raising money by organizing a fashion show. They asked me to get some dresses made in Pakistan and in May 2014, they organized a very impressive fashion show in the school auditorium. This helped raised funds that were given to me to meet the development needs of the school.

(Photos of the organizers, and students of MUN who modeled.)

UNA-USA Queens Earth Day Celebration March 23, 2014

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UNA-USA Queens Chapter Highlight over the years...

WELCOME TO UNA USA QUEENS CHAPTER.

We are proud to have provided the people of Queens, New York with a forum for input to the United Nations and an opportunity to support its programs and projects for more than 50 years.

The mission of UNA-USA is to inform, inspire, and mobilize Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations, and to strengthen the United Nations system.

UNA-USA through its chapters, divisions, and programs:

•encourages U.S. leadership to work constructively through the United Nations on global issues,

•encourages everyone to achieve the goals of the United Nations Charter,

•educates the American public about the work of the United Nations by carrying out local activities related to the United Nations, and recruiting, engaging and retaining members.

To find out more about our activities and membership use the tabs above under the main heading.